Barbara Jean Viker

Once diagnosed with Multiple Melanoma eleven months ago, Barb Viker never gave up. She never complained while maintaining a brave and cheerful outlook for an optimistic future. She continued to be a loving wife, mom, and grandmother throughout her entire journey. Barbara Jean (Hines) Viker peacefully passed away on August 17, 2012 at Seasons Hospice. Barb was born May 6, 1932 and grew up in Stewartville, MN where she attended and graduated from Stewartville High School. She met Melvin (Pete) Viker and they were married on January 21, 1951 at St. Johns Church in Rochester, MN. They lived in Alabama while Pete was stationed in Korea and then made Rochester their home for over 60 years. Filled with pride and love, Barb valued her family and friends above all else. Lovingly known as Grandma Lovebug, she showered her 13 grandchildren Christopher, Angela, Kali, Patrick, Travis, Nathan, Christian, Lindsay, Stephanie, Laura, Ben, Justin, and Joey, and her eight great-grandchildren with the unconditional love that only a grandma can give. Barb held many professional positions throughout her career of over 40 years. She worked at the Mayo Clinic, Northwestern Insurance, Rochester School District, and Meshbesher & Spence Law firm. Known for her wonderful cooking, crafting hands, green thumb, and giving heart, Barb was active in many clubs and organizations. She shared her time and talents with the Stewartville American Legion, Rochester Veterans of Foreign Wars, lifetime member of St. Pius X Church, the Red Hat Society, Rochester Moose Lodge, Board of Directors at the Rochester Senior Citizens Center, Festival of Trees, March of Dimes, and numerous other groups. For over 30 years, Barb gathered each month with a special group of friends who affectionately call themselves the Stitch & Bitch Girls. Barb was blessed with many wonderful friends and family. She valued each relationship and every person held a special place in her heart. Barb is survived by her husband, Pete; her four children, LuCinda Walker, Rochester Monte (Vicki) Viker, Rochester, Mikkel (Lisa) Viker, Chatfield, and Teresa (Mike) Thompson, Stewartville; sisters, Donna (Bill) Nolden, Rochester, Ginnie (John) King, Stewartville, and Jackie (Vern) Prouty, Byron; and brother, Patrick Hines, Texas. Barb is preceded in death by her parents, William and Faye Hines, brother, Billy Hugh Hines, granddaughter, Kali Viker, and an infant son. A Celebration of Life Mass will be at 11:00a.m.on Tuesday August 21, 2012 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester. A visitation will be from 4:00p.m. 7:00p.m.on Monday, August 20, 2012 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in East St. Olaf Cemetery in Rock Dell, MN. Memorials may be given to the Rochester VFW, or Hiawatha Homes Foundation. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 507-289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com